Al-Ittihad are reportedly set to miss out on signing Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos after turning down an offer from the Jeddah outfit.
The Tigers haven’t concluded their summer business yet despite bringing in a number of world-class players to Saudi Arabia so far.
With the signings of Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Fabinho, and Jota from Celtic for over £65 million, Al-Ittihad are still looking to sign a formidable centre-back before the deadline on September 20th.
Sergio Ramos along with OGC Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo and Luiz Felipe of Real Betis had all emerged as reported transfer targets for Al-Ittihad.
Previous reports also confirmed that Al-Ittihad officials had agreed terms with Ramos and looked set to sign the Spaniard on a free transfer.
Fabrizio Romano also said that the Saudi champions even prepared a medical for the 37-year-old next week but were still waiting for his ‘final answer’.
Despite Al-Ittihad’s attempts, it seems that Ramos has now made his decision and is set to remain in Europe according to Romano’s latest update.
After turning down offers from Al-Ittihad and Turkish clubs, Ramos will reportedly join his boyhood club Sevilla on a short-term deal.
The former Paris Saint-Germain defender played an integral role at Parc des Princes last season, scoring four goals in 45 appearances across all competitions.
His expected return to Sevilla will come as a huge blow to Al-Ittihad who were keen on bolstering their backline with Ramos in their ranks.
Al-Ittihad recently suffered a disappointing 4-3 defeat to Al-Hilal in the Saudi El Clasico despite leading by two goals in the second half.